Grief and Bereavement

Grief

Grief is the normal, healthy response to different types of loss.  Such losses include not only the death of a loved one, but also the loss of health, loss of a special relationship, loss of a job, loss of self-esteem and the changes that invariably take place as a result.  It is the most universal of human experiences and the one for which we are least prepared.

When a loved one dies, our lives are changed forever - we are no longer the same person we were before the death and many of us need some help in navigating the painful journey after the death of a loved one.  The Grief and Bereavement Program can help with this process.

What is the purpose of the Bereavement Program?

  • To foster healthy emotional adjustment to loss

  • To provide support and education about the grieving process 

  • To help individuals and families develop coping skills to deal with their loss

  • To educate the community at large about grief and bereavement

  • To offer a variety of supports to suit the needs of our community 

How does MVHPC provide Bereavement Follow Up?

Staff and trained volunteers will contact family during the first year following the death.
At MVHPC we know that there is not a one size fits all approach to grief support.  Our Bereavement Program includes a variety of services and programs such as:

  • 1:1 Sessions with Professional Grief and Bereavement Counsellor (in home, virtual, or in clinic space)

  • Community grief education and presentations 

  • 6 week structured grief support groups offered throughout the year

  • Walking groups (Fall)

  • Annual Butterfly Release Memorial (July)

  • Annual Family Grief Camp (September)

  • Widow's Retreat (October)

  • Friendly phone check ins by staff or trained volunteers 

  • Email check ins by staff or trained volunteers

  • Email distribution lists

  • Lending library of reading resources and books

  • Legacy activities

Our program is evolving all the time to suit the needs of our community.  If you have programming that you would like to see, please contact Jenna Stamplicoski- MV Hospice Grief and Bereavement Services  (613) 756 3045 ext 350 or bereavementmvhospice@sfmhosp.com

 

Image showcases a shelf of books about grief, death and dying.
Image shows an orange flower panted in a pot with the word "grandma" handwritten on it.

Grief and Bereavement Support Referral Form

Madawaska Valley Hospice Palliative Care (MVHPC) provides Grief and Bereavement Support as a free service to Renfrew County and South Algonquin residents.

Available Services:

  • Information and resources relevant to grief and bereavement care

  • Peer support from a trained volunteer or staff member

  • Bereavement Groups and hospice led events

  • One-on-one counselling with a grief bereavement professional

Consent

By completing this form, I consent to providing my contact information, as identified on this document, to MVHPC. I understand that it will be shared amongst its staff, volunteers, and other members of my health team (which may include doctors, nurses, and personal support workers) and maintained according to confidentiality and privacy standards.

By completing tis form, I consent to MVPHC contacting me and potentially leaving messages regarding Grief and Bereavement Support services via telephone and/or email.

"Grief ...never ends...but it changes. 
It is a passage, not a place to stay.  Grief is not a sign of weakness, nor a lack of faith...
it is the price of love."